TiNi Pocket PowerPlier restoration (lotsa pics)

J-sews · **on:** February 28, 2012, 08:58:13 PM

I acquired this rebadged Pocket PowerPlier recently. I'm always drooly over TiNi plated tools

and this one was especially interesting because of the Penn International stampings. (a quick google search reveals that Penn Reels company produces high end fishing reels, and the International model is one of their flagship products. The current model is the International V series reel)

In any case, when the tool arrived I was a bit dismayed by how much corrosion there was on it. $:-\$ I thought TiNi plating was rust proof? Apparently not.

So, after noting the corroded crap worked into every nook and cranny, I broke out the 1/4" drivers and completely disassembled it, in preparation for a thorough cleaning.

Yuck, look at all the crusty rust on that plier head!

Quick pics of the blade layout, prior to disassembly.

(note the rust and sand in the handle channel)

The outside surfaces of the handles cleaned up pretty well. Let's hope the innards do too.

Blades and tools were particularly groady

But, after plenty of toothbrushing and dremel-and-little-wire-wheeling, along with a healthy dose of rem-oil, it looked a whole lot better.

What looked to be deep corrosion in fact turned out just to be some brown crap caked on the surfaces. Once scraped off, the original TiNi gold was undamaged underneath and almost as shiny as new.

AHB · **Reply #1 on:** February 28, 2012, 09:02:29 PM

Great resurrection Bob..

Looks great now..

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #2 on:** February 28, 2012, 09:16:35 PM

So all the rust was on the tools? How thick is a TiNi coating?

J-sews · **Reply #3 on:** February 28, 2012, 09:36:46 PM

It looked like rust Nate, but it scraped off without leaving any stain or discoloration underneath. I don't know what the heck it was..?

Maybe it was just some sort of varnish residue that the previous owner left on the tool.

I don't know how thick TiNi coating is, but I'm once again thinking that it may be rust proof

edcgear · **Reply #4 on:** February 28, 2012, 09:40:10 PM

I should get one of those TiNi PPP's

It would go great with my Brass EDC...

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #5 on:** February 28, 2012, 09:42:03 PM

Quote from: J-sews on February 28, 2012, 09:36:46 PM

It looked like rust Nate, but it scraped off without leaving any stain or discoloration underneath. I don't know what the heck it was..? Maybe it was just some sort of varnish residue that the previous owner left on the tool.

I don't know how thick TiNi coating is, but I'm once again thinking that it may be rust proof

Guess I could have wiki'ed it...

Quote

Applied as a thin coating, TiN is used to harden and protect cutting and sliding surfaces, for decorative purposes (due to its gold appearance), and as a non-toxic exterior for medical implants. In most applications a coating of less than 5 micrometres (0.00020 in) is applied.

J-sews · **Reply #6 on:** February 28, 2012, 09:43:57 PM

And if it is applied to medical implants like they say, then one would expect it to be pretty well corrosion proof

Syph007 · **Reply #7 on:** February 28, 2012, 09:54:59 PM

Nice final outcome! I think it's safe to say this tool was a user..

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #8 on:** February 28, 2012, 09:55:17 PM

Quote from: J-sews on February 28, 2012, 09:43:57 PM

And if it is applied to medical implants like they say, then one would expect it to be pretty well corrosion proof

...otherwise your joints really WOULD creak like a rusty hinge.

Chako · **Reply #9 on:** February 28, 2012, 11:03:17 PM

Good job Bob. If there ever was a multi that needed the TLC treatment, that one was it.

Neil · **Reply #10 on:** February 28, 2012, 11:05:11 PM

Quote from: J-sews on February 28, 2012, 08:58:13 PM

.... What looked to be deep corrosion in fact turned out just to be some brown crap caked on the surfaces. .....

$:-\$ Worrying, what did it smell of

Quote from: J-sews on February 28, 2012, 09:36:46 PM

It looked like rust Nate, but it scraped off without leaving any stain or discoloration underneath. I don't know what the heck it was..? Maybe it was just some sort of varnish residue that the previous owner left on the tool.

I don't know how thick TiNi coating is, but I'm once again thinking that it may be rust proof

I'd keep telling myself that as well

Nice work sir

J-sews · **Reply #11 on:** February 28, 2012, 11:23:49 PM

I made no attempt to re-hydrate it and find out for sure Neil. Sometimes you're just better off not knowing.

Neil · **Reply #12 on:** February 28, 2012, 11:53:54 PM

Its like when you get an old SAK and the hair starts to fall out

Don't want to know, don't want to know!

Quick, to the emergency bleach bucket!

Chako · **Reply #13 on:** February 29, 2012, 12:11:14 AM

J-sews · **Reply #14 on:** February 29, 2012, 12:23:07 AM

Eeeeww!

Bruce909 · **Reply #15 on:** February 29, 2012, 05:08:14 AM

At least I know who outbid me!

Seriously, the ultrasonic cleaner is really really good at cleaning tools that at gunked up like this one.

I like the dish soap in the tank to help disinfect the tool.

Nice TiNi P3!

Bruce

Accujohn · **Reply #16 on:** February 29, 2012, 06:37:15 AM

Nice job!

MultiMat · **Reply #17 on:** February 29, 2012, 01:58:29 PM

, Bob that came up GREAT mate

.

I wonder if SOG made any-more of these promo TiNi's

very cool Bob.

Neil · **Reply #18 on:** February 29, 2012, 02:40:45 PM

Quote from: J-sews on February 29, 2012, 12:23:07 AM

Eeeeww!

Not joking... want pics?

jds1 · **Reply #19 on:** March 01, 2012, 01:00:12 AM

Very nice restoration!

Jeff

J-sews · **Reply #20 on:** March 01, 2012, 03:01:06 AM

Sorry Bruce! (not really)

I don't know of any other TiNi rebadges Mat

although there certainly have been several other stainless-finish ones.

Neil: thanks, but no thanks

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TiNi Pocket PowerPlier restoration (lotsa pics)

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